Before brand-name beauty treatments hit the market women often turned to a more natural approach to beauty. Apple cider vinegar has been considered a staple in households for centuries for a variety of reasons. It's been used for internal and external medicinal purposes, a cleaning aid, cooking tool and for beauty treatments. Apple cider vinegar can be used for glowing and soft skin, shiny hair, age spot removal and sunburns.

Whether you realize it or not, simply washing does not remove all the oil and dirt that tend to build up on your skin. Apple cider vinegar effectively removes this buildup and allows your skin to breathe giving it a much healthier appearance and glow. Removing this excess buildup is also an effective tool against acne by cleaning your pores and removing blackheads. And, it helps by restoring your skin’s proper pH balance. A 50-50 mixture of cider vinegar and water is an effective toner. If your skin is sensitive use less vinegar and more water.

Apple cider vinegar has the same effect on your hair and scalp. Buildup from shampoos, rinses, hair spray and just day-to-day exposure to pollutants can make your hair look dull and lifeless. This buildup can also affect and stunt hair growth.

Using an equal mixture of water and vinegar as a rinse once a week can put the shine back into your hair, remove excess buildup and stimulate hair growth. Use the mixture for the first rinse and then use clean water for a follow up rinse.

Give your face a special treat with an apple cider vinegar facial. It’s no secret that steam is a great way to really clean pores, remove dirt and soften your skin. But, you don’t need to use an expensive name-brand product when cider vinegar will do the trick. Simply add several tablespoons of vinegar to a steaming pot of water, cover your head with a towel and lean over the steam.

If you’re plagued with fungal infections on your finger or toe nails apple cider vinegar is full of anti-fungal properties. By soaking your hands or feet in a half and half mixture of water and apple cider vinegar you will eliminate the infection, soften and clean the area.

If age spots are becoming a problem, apple cider vinegar will come to the rescue. It’s possible to lighten spots by applying a small amount to the spot and, if possible, leave it on overnight.

External beauty often starts with internal health. Apple cider vinegar is full of essential vitamins and nutrients, like magnesium, calcium and potassium, your body needs. Adding a tablespoon or two to a daily glass of water will help with weight loss, varicose veins and improve your overall health.

So, if you’ve had enough of spending your hard earned money on ineffective products or are just looking for a more natural and holistic approach to beauty, apple cider vinegar is one product that should be a staple in your beauty arsenal. And, for a more natural approach opt for the organic variety.